The iconic K-pop girl band is at a critical juncture after three of its eight members did not renew their contracts with the group's agency, SM Entertainment. The contracts of the three ― Soo-young, Seo-hyun and Tiffany ― expire soon.

The three had hinted at their departure ― Soo-young and Seo-hyun to make a career shift to acting and Tiffany to attend an overseas graduate school. The band's fans fear their departure will undermine the unity of the five remaining members, which could lead to the band's complete meltdown.

"Girls' Generation means a lot to SM Entertainment," the agency said on Tuesday. "Members of Girls' Generation and SM have never thought of disbanding, but the direction for future activities will be discussed, as the three members' contracts have already ended."